Chapter 116

Almara’s Pov

Morning came and with it the hope of Arthur’s well-being restored. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but I guess the events of the night took a toll on me more than I realized. I almost feel guilty for leaving Grace in the care of Cathy and Elenor, but I tell myself if they really minded, they could’ve woken me.

I snuggle next to Arthur for a moment longer, pretending that everything is already back to normal. Though, the only way for that the happen is to get a move on with the day.

The shades are still drawn, making it hard to tell exactly how early or late it is. Morning light seeps in through the gaps which is enough for my eyes to be adjusted. I rise onto my elbows and glance around the room, surprised to see it in greater shambles than I realized last night.

Though the only thing I feel is compassion for Arthur. I roll to my side and nibble on his ear. When he doesn’t immediately waken, I’ve overcome with worry. He usually responds right away to that. I give him a harder shake and he lets out a groan. I calm down a little, still now it’s confirmed that urgency is of the utmost importance.

“You keep resting, I’m going to go check on Grace.” I tell him as if it’s a normal morning, and I don’t have to tell him twice to keep resting. He gives a sleepy nod and manages to put a hand lazily on my thigh as I climb out of bed.

I step outside and am greeted by the rush of morning sunlight. I head into the kitchen surprised to see everyone already awake, though maybe they never went to bed.

“Why didn’t anyone wake me?” I ask, irritated by the idea that maybe I got lazy.

“You looked so peaceful and you’ve had a really hard couple of days, we just decided to let you rest.” Cathy reassures me with a comforting hand. “Besides, you’re here for the most important part.”

I come near the table and my eyes instantly fall on a small trinket filled with a foul color, which I can only assume to be the remedy- though it looks more like poison. “Can we give it to him now?” I ask, almost snatching it from Jack’s hand.

“Not quite.” Jack answers, pulling the remedy closer to him. “Elenor suggested we test it on somebody first.” I nod in agreement, and then take in the size of the trinket again.

“Do we have enough for that?” I ask, though the only answer that follows is silence. I realize I’m caught up to speed. This potion could either not work, or worse dangerously harm Arthur so it makes sense to test it, but then what if it does work and we don’t have enough for Arthur.

“We got the ingredients, we could get them again if it works.” Bess says as if she doesn’t understand the problem.

“That’s because all you had to do with pick dandelions!” Jack gives a sudden burst that surprises me, though by the look on others I can see this isn’t is first amplified reaction. Only then do I notice how battered and exhausted Jack looks. I don’t ask what he had to go through to get the bat clippings or plasma nectar.

“But it can be done.” Roman says, as if making the decision final. Jack stares back with a hard gaze, but keeps his mouth closed. A moment later he scoots his chair back and storms out the kitchen.

“Who are we testing it on?” I ask, only now realizing some innocent soul may suffer greatly.

“Leave that to me. I know a guy.” Roman says, though he sounds like he wishes he didn’t. “It’s going to take a few hours to get the arrangements organized.” He looks between the rest of us in the room, and no one argues with him. It is what it is at this point. Arthur’s made it this long, he can hold on a few more hours. He’s strong enough.

In the meantime, Cathy and I spend the time catching up and spending time with Grace.

What feels more like several days than three hours finally passes by and eventually the guinea pig that is testing the potion has arrived. I put Grace in her bassinet and make room for our guest. The room is quiet and still as we wait for Roman to bring the test subject in.

A heavy force seems to fill the room and the ticking of the clock grows louder with each passing second. It almost becomes troubling to breathe. Moments later, Roman escorts a man in the room with a white bag over his head. I let out a small gasp.

Cathy and I take a step back as Roman pushes the man on his knees and removes the bag. The man has a blasé look about him, as if being tied here against his will is no different than if he were in line at the super market. It makes me wonder if he’s already on drugs, and would that interfere with the effects of the potion.

“What’s your name?” I ask the man. He lolls his head in my direction and I see that there’s nothing remarkable about it. He’s average height and build, brown eyes, no distinct features. He’s the type of man one could pass on the street a hundred times in one day and not ever notice.

“Don’t talk to him. The less we know, the better.” Roman says, sounding cold as ever. “Do we have the bottle? Let’s get this over with.” Jack steps from around the couch, pulling the small bottle from his sleeve.

“I can’t be here to watch.” Elenor says, sounding like she might be sick. She goes to cross the room, but the ding of the doorbell has her stop dead in her tracks. Everyone freezes for a moment.

“Police, open up.” We hear a voice call from the front door.

“Get him into the storage closet.” Roman commands and Jack takes charge.

“Not a word out of you.” Jack says and yanks the man to his feet. The man stays quiet, and I have a feeling we don’t need to worry about him making a sound.

“Elenor, you’re going to open the door. Almara and Cathy, you’re going to coo over Grace as though she’s the only major event happening in your life right now. Got it?” Oh, how I wish. Roman barks the orders and then takes a seat on the couch opening a stray magazine, pretending to read.

Elenor gives her husband a look that I cannot read, but quickly dismiss anyways as Cathy pulls me towards Grace.

Moments later, Elenor enters the room and politely clears her throat. Roman keeps holding the magazine, and gives a glance over his shoulder, only then pretending to be aware of the two police officers standing by the towering book case.

He raises with a reasonable amount of curiosity. Cathy and I hold Grace protectively and stand aside.

“Gentlemen.” Roman says and extends his hand in greeting. “What can I do for you.”

The one officer who seems to be the leader with the way he stands more in front and looks directly at Roman, while his partner is behind him and is checking out the area.

“Robert requests to meet with you.” The officer then looks pointedly at me, “And you.” My heart sinks. What could Robert possibly want with us now?

Though I’m sure Roman doesn’t feel it, he responds with an almost delighted humor. “Is this what this is about? The boy has a request?”

“He says he has very important information that could heal you son.” The main officer says, dancing around being direct in what he means. “I must say, I’m surprised to see you relaxed about the whole thing.” The officer points out curiously.

“Ah, well Arthur is upstairs resting, we figured a night or so at being home would help to ground himself and fight this. . .” Roman trails off looking for the right word, “disease.” He settles on.

“Unfortunately, that may be waste of time. But I can’t say any more here. Please come with us to the station.” The officer gestures with his hand for me to come, “You also.”

“Why me?” I ask putting Grace in her bassinet.

“It simply was part of the deal ma’am.” The officer turns his back and begins to walk. “Let’s go.”

Roman and I glance at each other, I guess Arthur might have to wait a bit longer.